Daily WHUFC News - 16th September 2013

Big Sam on Southampton stalemate
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce has given his assessment of West Ham United's deserved
0-0 draw at Southampton
15.09.2013

Sam Allardyce made a strong case for the defence following West Ham United's
goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Southampton. The Hammers battled
driving rain, strong winds and a full-strength Saints attack to secure a
hard-fought point at St Mary's, and could even have nicked all three had
James Collins not blazed a late gilt-edged chance over the crossbar. At the
other end, Jussi Jaaskelainen produced a Man of the Match display, making at
least four fine saves from Adam Lallana, Dani Osvaldo, Morgan Schneiderlin
and Rickie Lambert to keep his goal intact, while England forward Rickie
Lambert saw a powerful header come back off the post.

Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam gave a typically honest assessment of a 90
minutes high on drama and talking points, none more so than a controversial
Schneiderlin challenge on Mohamed Diame that went unpunished by referee
Andre Marriner. "We were actually better at Newcastle United, where Jussi
didn't have one save to make and they didn't have one shot on target," the
manager began. "At Southampton, Jussi made some outstanding saves when
needed and contributed to getting this point for us. "Again, the defensive
side - not just the back four and goalkeeper but the team as a defensive
unit - made it extremely difficult for Southampton, even when they were
dropping those diagonal balls onto Lambert, which was a big danger for us.
"Southampton were playing out from the back and we let them do that before
trying to win the ball back high up the pitch, to try to stop them getting
those balls into Lambert, which worked really well. "The unfortunate thing
was we didn't capitalise on any of our good positions or good opportunities
in their final third, particularly poor old Ginge who missed that golden
chance for us which would have secured us three points. "It's a great point
and, under the circumstances with the players we have injured, it's an even
better point for me because we did have Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Andy
Carroll, Alou Diarra and George McCartney missing from our team, all of whom
will play big parts in it. "The squad stepped up to the plate against a
strong Southampton team which had its full squad available. I think that was
their best eleven players and we matched them very well."

Big Sam pointed to Schneiderlin's tackle on Diame, which saw the Frenchman
catch the Senegal captain late on the ankle, as a potentially important
moment in the game. Instead of awarding a free-kick and possibly taking
further action against the Saints No4, referee Marriner allowed play to go
on. "It was two-footed and was a straight red card all day long. The
disappointing thing was that it wasn't even a free-kick for us. "I spoke to
Andre about it and I think players play the game of football and make
mistakes and, unfortunately, I think he made a mistake regarding that
challenge. "At the end of the day, it hasn't cost us anything and we came
away with a point."

West Ham have conceded just once in four Barclays Premier League matches
played so far - Jermaine Pennant's late free-kick winner for Stoke City -
and the manager was naturally pleased with that aspect of his team's play.
However, it is at the other end where Big Sam is demanding an improvement.
"We have definitely got to start scoring more, there's no doubt about that.
"What I am saying is that when Joe, Stewart and Andy are fit they, as long
as the rest of the lads like Maiga, Vaz Te, Jarvis and Ravel Morrison, who
got a little bit more experience, and Kevin Nolan [will do so] from set
plays and phases of open play. "What I am really pleased about is that we
picked up a point and bounced back from a disappointing result against Stoke
City."

West Ham return to action on Saturday, when Everton will visit the Boleyn
Ground having scored a morale-boosting home victory over Chelsea last time
out.
Having signed the likes of England midfielder Gareth Barry, Belgium striker
Romelu Lukaku and Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy in the
summer, new Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has a strong squad at his
disposal, presenting a stern test for Big Sam's men. "I think Roberto and
their Chairman have made Everton much better. Gareth Barry, McCarthy and
Lukaku make them a bigger force to be reckoned with than they were last
season, so it will be a really tough game. "I know they have lost Marouane
Fellaini but the sort of players they have got into replace him, like Lukaku
and Arouna Kone, mean it will be a tough game. "I watched them against
Chelsea and they were absolutely terrific. We'll look forward to it and
hopefully try to get the result we didn't get last year against them, when
we went ahead, went down to ten men against them and eventually lost 2-1."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Solid Hammers make their point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United recorded their second away 0-0 draw of the season at
Southampton on Sunday
15.09.2013

Southampton 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League

West Ham United's solid start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign
continued on Sunday with a 0-0 draw at Southampton. The clean sheet was the
Hammers' third from four league games this term and was the second in
succession on the road. They did need the woodwork to prevent Rickie
Lambert's header from finding the net on a miserable afternoon on the south
coast, while Jussi Jaaskelainen made fine saves from Morgan Schneiderlin and
Lambert in the second period. The visitors' best chance fell to James
Collins six minutes from the end, but he could not keep his shot down from
inside the box and the points were destined to be shared. With Joe Cole and
Stewart Downing injured, the Hammers had a change in their attacking
personnel, as Ravel Morrison came in for his first Barclays Premier League
start in midfield, and Mohamed Diame moved out to a position wide on the
right.

Diame had a chance to make an early impact when he showed good feet to trick
his way past Luke Shaw as he made his way into the area from his flank. All
of a sudden only goalkeeper Artur Boruc stood in Diame's way, but he was up
to the task, blocking his venomous shot to ensure the Hammers would not make
the perfect start. With eleven minutes on the clock, Southampton's Dani
Osvaldo looked odds on to notch his first goal for the club as Jay Rodriguez
made tracks down the left and cut back well for the Italian international.
The crowd waited for the net to bulge, but Jussi Jaaskelainen had other
ideas, throwing himself to his left to get in the way.

Jaaskelainen had to make another stop on 23 minutes, although this one was
rather simpler, gathering down low to his right after an untimely slip from
James Collins had given Southampton the chance to attack. The ball
eventually fell to Lambert just outside the box and his low drive drew the
stop. It was becoming a real blood-and-thunder affair and Diame went into
referee Andre Marriner's notebook for a 29th minute foul on Adam Lallana,
then Southampton's Schneiderlin was fortunate not to follow suit for an ugly
challenge on Diame that Marriner failed to spot as a foul. After Kevin Nolan
had a goal chalked off for a marginal, but correct, offside call on Matt
Jarvis, Morrison tried his luck with a 25-yard curler which only just missed
Boruc's top corner, but neither side could force a breakthrough before the
interval. Southampton started the second period with a great tempo and
Jaaskelainen had to stick up a hand to knock Victor Wanyama's dipping long
range shot over the top with 49 minutes played. Lallana then delivered the
corner and Lambert headed against the post with Jaaskelainen well beaten.
The hosts were beginning to properly threaten and Osvaldo split the Hammers
centre halves with a pass to Lallana on 52 minutes, and Jaaskelainen needed
to come off his line sharply to block and force the ball behind back off the
Saints man. There was another moment of danger just past the hour when
Collins had to charge down an Osvaldo effort before Schneiderlin tried his
luck with an overhead which Winston Reid managed to flick behind.
The Hammers were struggling to keep pace with the home side and Jaaskelainen
produced a fine fingertip save to deny Schneiderlin after Jay Rodriguez
picked him out to volley from 12 yards.

Jaaskelainen was in the action again five minutes later, flying to his left
once more to deny Lambert, who looked to bend one into the top right corner.
West Ham still had an excellent opportunity to win it themselves with six
minutes left to play when Mark Noble danced in down the right to cut back
for James Collins, but the centre back could not keep his shot down as the
Saints survived. That proved to be the last serious chance as West Ham held
out to make their point.

Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw (Chambers 77); Lallana
(Ward-Prowse 72), Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Rodriguez; Lambert, Osvaldo
Subs: K.Davis (GK), S.Davis, Ramirez, Guly, Hooiveld
Booked: Wanyama

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Rat 61), Collins, Reid, O'Brien;
Morrison (Taylor 77), Noble, Nolan; Diame, Maiga (Vaz Te 68), Jarvis
Subs: Adrian (GK), Tomkins, Collison, Lee
Booked: Diame, Noble

Referee: Andre Marriner
Attendance: 28,794

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s draw with Blackburn
WHUFC.com
The Academy side were pegged back in drawing 3-3 with Blackburn Rovers on
Saturday morning
14.09.2013

West Ham United let a two goal lead slip in the 3-3 Barclays U18 Premier
League draw with Blackburn Rovers at Little Heath on Saturday morning. The
hosts were 2-0 up within the opening 13 minutes when striker Jordan Brown
smashed in a left footed shot after Djair Parfitt-Williams back heeled the
ball through the defence, before Parfitt-Williams turned from creator to
scorer to smash home an impressive half volley. Blackburn pulled one back
when Brice Wassi volleyed home expertly from 18 yards, but within 15 minutes
of conceding, West Ham re-established their two goal lead through Kieran
Bywater. The 18-year-old captain scored for the fourth match in succession,
stabbing home from 12 yards after meeting Parfitt-Williams' tricky right
wing cross. The game was turned on its head during the second half however
when Hammers keeper Vit Nemrava dropped a catch to gift a goal to Liam
Langford, before Jordan Preston buried a controversial penalty to level the
score and steal a draw. Both Jerry Amoo and Kyle Knoyle were both close to
the action when the visiting player took a tumble in the penalty area, with
the referee deciding to award the spot kick despite replays showing that the
penalty should not have been given. West Ham U18 manager Steve Potts, who
returned to his role after missing two league matches, was impressed with
West Ham's first half performance, but believed West Ham should have been
more ruthless and put the game to bed before the break. "The worst part
about the draw is that I felt disappointed at half time that the score was
only 3-1," said Potts. "Looking at the way we performed in the first game,
especially at this age level, it comes down to how ruthless you are in front
of goal. "I really think that the game should have been dead and buried
before half time. For all the hard work and effort the lads put into the
first half performance, it almost feels like a defeat now. That's what the
boys have to see and learn from."

Potts was also delighted with the way the team finished off their attacking
moves, agreeing that Djair Parfitt-Williams impressed by playing a big role
in all three of the Hammers' goals. "All three of our goals were excellent
finishes," he added. "We were moving and passing well throughout the first
half and I found myself saying that we could have finished a lot more moves,
that is why I was disappointed that the score was only 3-1. "[Djair] had a
brilliant game. His technical ability is fantastic and he showed it by being
involved in all three goals. I asked him to do a job and role and I think he
did it to the letter. Saturday's disappointing draw will give Potts' side a
lot to think about over the next week, with the Academy manager knowing that
it doesn't take much at this level for teams to punish the smallest of
defensive mistakes. "There were plenty of areas, both positive and negative,
that the boys will sit down and watch back on the DVD during the week and we
will learn from them. "We will take the positives and negatives out of this
game to adapt for our next fixture, but it's just a case that a few small
errors can lead to goals and really punish you at this level."

West Ham travel north to face Sunderland on Saturday morning, with the
opening day victory over Manchester United being the Hammers U18's only win
of the season so far.
West Ham United U18s: Nemrava, Knoyle, Harney, Burke, Mavila, Cullen,
Makasi, Bywater, Amoo, Parfitt-Williams (Nasha), Brown.
Subs not used: Howes, Girdlestone, Onaraise, Bailey.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan content with sturdy display
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was pleased to put the Stoke defeat behind him with a point at
Southampton on Sunday
15.09.2013

West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan believes his side showed a strong
response to defeat last time out when forcing a stalemate at Southampton on
Sunday.
The Hammers were desperately disappointed with their performance as they
went down to a 1-0 loss against Stoke City before the international break,
but were happier with life again after playing with solidity against the
Saints. Jussi Jaaskelainen was in sparkling form to deny Dani Osvaldo,
Morgan Schneiderlin, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, but the visitors may
yet have won it themselves when James Collins fired over when well-placed
late on. All in all, Nolan was satisfied with the point and he says it gives
the Londoners a base to build from in the next set of fixtures. He said: "It
was the kind of response we needed after the Stoke game a couple of weeks
ago. When you're away from home, you know the away team is going to have a
bit of play at some stage. You've got to respect that and I think we did.
"We could even have snuck it at the end with Ginge's effort, so we're
reasonably happy and hopefully now we can start building on that again.
"First half we were pleased with the performance. We knew Southampton would
have a bit of the play in the second half, they had a few good chances but
Jussi rose to them and I think 0-0 was the fairest result. "We're happy to
come away with a result, it's a tough place to come to and they're a very
good side."

Jaaskelainen's saves, coupled with sturdy defensive work from the back four
in front of him, secured a third clean sheet in four Barclays Premier League
starts, and although the blank West Ham drew means it is now three league
games without a goal going forward, Nolan is happy with the foundations they
are building. He continued: "As long as you're keeping clean sheets, you can
build from a solid foundation. Three clean sheets from the first four games
is a good return. "We're working hard in training [at scoring more goals],
we had a bit of unlucky news at the start of this week because we thought we
were going to have the big man back. "That wasn't to be and it's up to us to
step up and start scoring the goals. I'm just hoping the chances come my
way, I had one which I put in the back of the net on Sunday, which was ruled
out for offside. "It's one of those things, we've all got to chip in. We've
just signed [Mladen] Petric too, which hopefully will add a bit more
firepower for us."

With five points gained from the first four matches, Nolan is fairly
satisfied with the start his team have made. He added: "We've got five
points from the first four games and you always want more. We might have got
more on Sunday, but then that might have been unfair on Southampton. "The
game was a bit of a reflection of our season so far - we've got to be
reasonably happy with five points. We've got another home game coming up,
and another chance to put that Stoke game right. "We know it's going to be
tough, all the lads watched Everton play fantastically against Chelsea, but
it's a game we're all looking forward to."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock rues disallowed 'goal'
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock was left frustrated by the officials in the 1-1 draw with
Manchester City
15.09.2013

Development Squad coach Nick Haycock expressed his disappointment after
watching his team fight back to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on
Friday night. Around 600 fans turned out at the Boleyn Ground to see George
Moncur score a late equaliser for the Hammers after Leo Chambers had earlier
put through his own net. But it could have been so much better for the home
side who saw a Sean Maguire goal wrongly disallowed for offside in the final
minute of the match. Haycock, whilst not happy with the decision, felt his
side should have come out victorious. He told West Ham TV: "It's definitely
two points dropped tonight. "We were pleased that we got back in it but I
thought the lads deserved to win the game. I've just said to them in there
that we set them a target of 10+ points out of the first five games and
obviously we've now got that now. "Leo's unlucky and scores the own goal and
we died for ten minutes but I thought we lifted again and at the end we
score what we think is a perfectly good winner from Sean so we're
disappointed."

The game also marked the return of Matthias Fanimo, who has recently
recovered from a long term injury. The winger was a second half substitute
as the home side took the game to their opponents, and his coach was pleased
that Fanimo will add to the competition not only for the Development Squad
but also the first team. "Matty's had a long time out and he's been a bit
unfortunate, he's keen as mustard now to show his worth, I know he's well
thought of at the club and it's pleasing to have him back. "There's good
competition in there now, Macca's [Neil McDonald] just said to them in the
changing rooms that there in a competition amongst themselves but also for
who's going to get into the first team. "We want to start seeing players
pushing each other to the next level now."

Several of Haycock's squad were returning to Development Squad action having
been involved in the first team's friendly win over Espanyol last week.
Pelly Ruddock played the full 90 minutes whilst Fanimo, Elliot Lee, Moncur,
Callum Driver and Sebastian Lletget were involved from the bench. Haycock
believes their experiences with Sam Allardyce's squad can only serve them
well. "The majority of them were on the pitch for the last 30 minutes when
they were winning 1-0 and the first team staff said that they were pleased
they saw the game out against good opposition. "Speaking to the boys as I do
every day, it was a great experience for them and they can see what it's
like to be part of the first team. "The young players are at one of the best
places to be nurtured into the first team and hopefully now we can forget
about the past and look at the next generation coming through."

Moncur was the outstanding player against Manchester City and Haycock
believes it may be time for him to move on loan to further his development
despite changes being made to the Barclays Under-21 Premier League.
Relegation and promotion will be introduced next season in order to
encourage meaningful competition, but the Development Squad coach believes
the time is right for some players to go on loan to the Football League. "I
think the Under-21 league is a fantastic thing but I've got players that I
think need league experience. "We'll try and win the league by nurturing
players into this team from the under-18s as that's their next step. "I
looked at George Moncur out there tonight and I'm surprised clubs haven't
come asking to take him on loan, whilst he's looking good out there and in
my opinion was the best player on the park tonight, his next step might be a
loan and then we've got some good under-18 midfield players ready to come
into the team and then they get that next bit of experience."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton 0 West Ham 0
15 September 2013
Last updated at 18:09
By Saj Chowdhury
BBC Sport

Jussi Jaaskelainen produced several brilliant saves as West Ham came away
from Premier League rivals Southampton with a fortunate point. The
38-year-old denied Dani Osvaldo, Morgan Schneiderlin and Rickie Lambert with
three spectacular stops in a match dominated by the Saints. Jaaskelainen
also tipped over Victor Wanyama's strike, while Lambert saw his header
bounce back off the post. James Collins wasted a glorious chance for West
Ham in the closing stages.
That effort was the Hammers' clearest opportunity of the match and summed up
their profligacy in front of goal - Sam Allardyce's men have now only
managed six shots on target in the league all season and have not scored
since the opening day. Southampton supporters would have been left
frustrated by their players' inability to breach the last line of defence,
although they would have been pleased with the overall performance. They
twice caused panic among the visiting defence inside the first 15 minutes
with surges down right.

West Ham woes
The Hammers have won only one of their last 16 Premier League away games (D4
L10) Jay Rodriguez was the first to attack, flying down the flank before
picking out record-signing Osvaldo, who saw his eight-yard shot brilliantly
blocked by Jaaskelainen. Luke Shaw was next to try his luck. The 18-year-old
drifted past Guy Demel but saw his cut-back blocked by the West Ham defence.
The Hammers seemed devoid of ideas in attack. They had the ball in the net
when Kevin Nolan superbly slotted the ball into an empty net after Artur
Boruc had rushed out to try to block Matt Jarvis's effort. However, the
assistant had already flagged Jarvis offside.

Moments later, the away support raised their voices again, but this time it
was as a result of Schneiderlin's two-footed challenge that floored West Ham
midfielder Mohamed Diame. Referee Andre Marriner waved play-on as the
Senegal international lay on the grass. Captain Nolan and his team-mates
made their views know to the West Midlands official. The second half began
much like the first with Mauricio Pochettino's Saints on the attack. Former
Celtic midfielder Wanyama was first to test the ex-Bolton keeper with a
30-yard swerving shot that was tipped behind. From the corner, England
striker Lambert, making his 200th appearance for the Saints, had the best
chance of the contest when his header crashed off the near post. Moments
later, came the best save when Jaaskelainen sprung to his left to prevent
Schneiderlin's volley from finding the bottom corner. West Ham almost
performed one of the greatest Premier League robberies in recent years when
Collins was left with the goal at his mercy only to smash Mark Noble's
pull-back over the bar.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino: "We created the better chances, we
were much closer than they were to actually getting a victory today. "But in
football, it is not just about creating chances, you need to be make them
into goals. Today we weren't able to do it and we are frustrated by that. "I
am pleased with all of my players - they all played well and put in a great
effort today."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce worried by goal shortage
BBC.co.uk

Manager Sam Allardyce said he is concerned by West Ham's lack of goals in
the Premier League this season. The Hammers drew 0-0 at Southampton on
Sunday, which means they have not scored since the opening game against
Swansea on 17 August. "Overall, it was a decent performance," Allardyce
said.
"I think we have only conceded one goal in four games, but we just can't
find the back of the net. Three games without a goal is my concern." West
Ham were forced to play second-choice forward Modibo Maiga in attack at St
Mary's, and he rarely troubled the Southampton defence. Andy Carroll, a
club-record £15m summer signing from Liverpool, suffered a foot injury in
training at the start of September. The England international has not played
since picking up a heel injury in the final game of last season while on
loan. Former Fulham striker Mladen Petric - signed on a free transfer last
week - is not match fit, but West Ham have been linked with re-signing
Carlton Cole, who left after his contract expired in June. West Ham had
goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank for the point they earned at
Southampton, with the 38-year-old Finn making a string of great saves.
Defender James Collins almost stole all three points for the visitors in the
last 10 minutes, when he shot over the crossbar from close range. "Jussi is
getting on, but he's still keeping us in games. He was brilliant," said West
Ham midfielder Mark Noble. "When you're keeping clean sheets it helps when
you're not scoring goals - and we're not scoring goals." Meanwhile,
Allardyce said Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin should have been sent
off for a challenge on Mohamed Diame in the first half. "We feel a bit
disappointed that Schneiderlin is still on the pitch because it's a
two-footed challenge," Allardyce added. "[With] two-footed challenges, we
have been told by everyone in the referees' department from Mike Riley down,
there is no other choice but a straight red. We didn't even get a free-kick.
"I can't for the life of me [understand] - Andre [Marriner] is such an
experienced referee - how he didn't see that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton and West Ham draw 0-0 at St Mary's Stadium
Last Updated: September 15, 2013 9:21pm
SSN

Jussi Jaaskelainen pulled off three superb saves to earn West Ham a 0-0 draw
with Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday. In a match devoid of many moments
of class, the oldest man on the pitch proved decisive as Saints were denied
a first home win of the season. The 38-year-old was first called into action
after 11 minutes, somehow keeping out a Dani Osvaldo effort when it looked
easier to score - the best chance of a tepid first half in which Kevin Nolan
had a goal ruled out for offside. Rickie Lambert hit the post moments after
play resumed, with the England international, making his 200th Southampton
appearance, then denied by Jaaskelainen as Mauricio Pochettino's side pushed
for the opener.

Save of the match : There are three contenders for this after Jussi
Jaaskelainen denied Saints with three superb saves - but his one-handed
diving stop to keep Morgan Schneiderlin's sweetly-struck volley out wins it.

Trick of the match : Dani Osvaldo's cheeky backheeled throughball on 32
minutes so nearly created a clearcut chance for Saints - and should make
Soccer AM's showboating reel comfortably.

Miss of the match : There's only winner here...step forward James Collins.
When Mark Noble burst into the box on 84 minutes and pulled the ball back to
a free Collins, a goal looked certain. But the centre-back leaned back and
lifted a 12-yard shot high over the crossbar for a shocking miss.

Talking point of the match : Schneiderlin's two-footed challenge on Mohamed
Diame left the West Ham man on his back - and his Hammers team-mates fuming
- but referee Andre Marriner didn't even award a free-kick and waved play
on. Sam Allardyce felt it was a red-card offence, and the debate is still
raging on.

The veteran Finn, supported impressively by James Collins and Winston Reid,
was also at his best to stop Morgan Schneiderlin, who was lucky not to be
booked in the first half for a poor tackle on Mohamed Diame. Referee Andre
Marriner chose not to even award a free-kick for that challenge and was in
the spotlight again after adjudging a Joey O'Brien lunge on Adam Lallana
only worthy of a booking. Heading into the game, much of the talk revolved
around Ravel Morrison. The highly-rated 20-year-old was handed his first
Premier League start in place of Stewart Downing, who has joined Andy
Carroll, Joe Cole and George McCartney in the treatment room.

Southampton brought in Nathaniel Clyne, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw, with
the latter almost caught out in the opening minutes. Diame impressively
controlled a crossfield ball and turned the teenage left-back, giving him
space to sting the palms of Artur Boruc. West Ham were quickest to settle in
miserable conditions on the south coast, but Saints should have taken the
lead with their first chance of the afternoon. After losing his man down the
left, Rodriguez's cute cutback from the byline found Osvaldo unmarked - but
the Italian's goalbound strike was impressively blocked by Jaaskelainen.
Diame saw an audacious long-range drive whistle just over as West Ham pushed
for an opener in the rain, which they thought they managed just past the
half-hour mark.

Boruc spread himself well to stop Jarvis when through one-on-one but captain
Nolan rifled home from outside the box - only for the offside flag to cut
the Hammers' celebrations short. Schneiderlin was fortunate not to receive a
yellow card for a poor challenge on the already booked Diame, with West Ham
furious as the midfielder left in pain on the floor without so much as a
free-kick. Lambert nodded over and Morrison curled just wide from 25 yards,
before Marriner called time on a turgid first half. Victor Wanyama,
particularly poor in the first half, forced Jaaskelainen to tip over from
distance shortly after the restart, with the opener almost coming from the
resulting corner. Lallana swung the ball in and Lambert's powerful header
rattled the post, followed by hopeful calls for a handball against the
impressive Collins when Wanyama attempted to strike home the rebound.

Saints had seemingly given up on their attempts to threaten West Ham with
aerial balls and reverted to playing on the deck, with Osvaldo slipping
through Lallana only for Jaaskelainen to thwart him. Pochettino's side
continued in the ascendancy and Schneiderlin saw a threatening overhead kick
headed away by Reid after Osvaldo had seen a shot blocked. Mark Noble and
Wanyama were both booked for late challenges, with Joey O'Brien soon joining
them for a tackle on Lallana that saw tempers fray and could have resulted
in a red. The challenge came after Jaaskelainen superbly turned a
Schneiderlin volley around the post, with the veteran goalkeeper then
brilliantly clawing away a curling Lambert effort. Collins lashed over as
West Ham pushed a for a late winner and Saints saw appeals for a handball
against Nolan rejected, with Wanyama firing the final chance wide.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allarydce felt Morgan Schneiderlin should have seen red at St Mary's
By Simon Wilkes | Last Updated: September 15, 2013 9:46pm
SSN

Sam Allarydce felt Morgan Schneiderlin should have seen red at St Mary's,
where West Ham and Southampton drew 0-0. Saints midfielder Schneiderlin was
lucky not to be booked in the first half for a poor tackle on Mohamed Diame.
Referee Andre Marriner chose not to even award a free-kick for the
two-footed challenge and was in the spotlight again in the second half after
adjudging a Joey O'Brien lunge on Adam Lallana only worthy of a booking.
Hammers boss Allardyce felt the tackle was a red-card offence and told Sky
Sports 1: "We feel a bit disappointed about the fact that Schneiderlin is
still on the pitch. We didn't even get a free-kick and it was a two-footed
challenge. "We're told by everybody in the referee's department that a
two-footed challenge is no other choice but a straight red - this wasn't
even a free-kick. "Andre Marriner is such an experienced referee and for the
life of me I can't see how he didn't see that. "For me, that was a
disappointment as it kept them with 11 men on the field, when realistically,
the way the law is portrayed today, they should have only had 10 men on.
That would have given us a better chance of winning - but it didn't. "I'm
happy with the point, I can't affect what the referees do, it's not my job -
but I have to point that I think that was a really poor decision...that's my
responsibility. "At the end of the day we're happy with a 0-0 draw,
especially with our injuries. No Joe Cole, no Andy Carroll, no Stewart
Downing today, no Alou Diarra - so I think it's a really good performance by
the squad who have stepped in and done the job."

Jussi Jaaskelainen produced three stunning saves to keep the hosts at bay,
but Irons defender James Collins wasted arguably the best chance of the
games with six minutes left, steering a right-footed shot high over the bar
from 12 yards out after Mark Noble had pulled the ball back to him. "We
could have won it at the end when Ginge had the chance he had for us,
probably our best chance of the game," added Allardyce. "Unfortunately it
has fallen to the centre-half but at the end of the day from that far out he
should at least hit the target and he's really disappointed. "But overall it
was a decent performance and defensively we showed how good we are. We've
only conceded one goal in four games now but we just can't find the back of
the net. Three games without a goal is my concern - and it's not as if we
didn't create any good chances in the final third today. "It's just eluding
us at the moment, and when a golden chance falls like that at the end of a
game, you want to put it in and walk away with three points. "It was a good
game, even though it was a nil-nil. Both teams went out and played and
changed the style of play whenever you needed to. We sat deep, whenever we
needed to shut them down from the front we did do. "Our tactics were to
allow them to play out from the back, shut them down and pinch the ball back
- we did that brilliantly. Then that forced them into the longer ball off
Lambert...that was difficult, but we did that well too. "Sadly we couldn't
find the quality to test the keeper more even though we got into some good
positions - but it's a very well-earned point for us."

On Jaaskelainen's man-of-the-match display, Allardyce said: "He hasn't had a
lot to do so far this season - but when we needed him today he was there
three times particularly, and that's very encouraging as it gives the back
four so much confidence."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morgan Schneiderlin has defended his tackle on West Ham's Mohamed Diame
Last Updated: September 15, 2013 8:12pm
SSN

Morgan Schneiderlin has defended his tackle on Mohamed Diame, saying: "I
didn't have the feeling that it was bad." Sam Allardyce felt the Southampton
midfielder should have been sent off by referee Andre Marriner for
33rd-minute tackle on Diame which the West Ham boss insisted was a
"two-footed challenge".

Marriner did not even award a free-kick for the tackle, and Schneiderlin
insisted there he had not committed a poor challenge. "I need to see the
image again but at that moment I didn't think I had done anything wrong,"
the Frenchman told Sky Sports 1. "I didn't have the feeling at the time that
it was bad, I am not a player who commits those kind of fouls. "If I touched
him in any way I apologise but I have not the feeling that I did anything
wrong."

Of the 0-0 draw, in which Jussi Jaaskelainen denied Saints with a string of
fine saves, Schneiderlin said: "We had three or four very clear chances and
their goalkeeper made some very good saves. "It is very hard to take because
we had the feeling that we did everything to win that game. "I didn't have
the feeling at the time that it was bad, I am not a player who commits
those kind of fouls."

"West Ham had one or two chances but other than that, they didn't create
anything else so we felt like we should have won the game. "It's
disappointing because in our two home games so far we've done everything to
try and win the game. "We had a good first result at West Brom but haven't
really built on that. Now it is up to us. Next week we have a very hard game
at Anfield so hopefully we can improve this week and score some goals."

Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino also felt his side deserved to win,
saying: "We created the better chances, we were much closer than they were
to actually getting a victory today. "But in football, it is not just about
creating chances, you need to be make them into goals. Today we weren't able
to do it and we are frustrated by that. "I am pleased with all of my players
- they all played well and put in a great effort today. "On the one hand, I
am a bit frustrated because we didn't get the three points but I'm pleased,
as they all played well today."

Considering Southampton's abundance of attacking options, their lack of
goals this campaign has been frustrating for Pochettino. Dani Osvaldo has
yet to find the net since his club-record move from Roma, while Rickie
Lambert has yet to replicate the fine form he has shown for England. "He has
played the last two with national side, which must be a huge boost for his
self-confidence," Pochettino said of Lambert. "At the same time strikers
need to score goals, that is their bread and butter. "He hasn't been able to
do that, none of them were able to do that, so I'm frustrated. "We created
many chances today and on another day those chances might be goals."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi Jaaskelainen has admitted he is concerned by West Ham's lacks of goals
Last Updated: September 15, 2013 8:08pm
SSN

West Ham's Mark Noble was happy with a point against Southampton, and
thought keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen played a key part in the 0-0 result. Man
of the match Jussi Jaaskelainen admitted there was some cause for concern at
West Ham's paucity in front of goal after they drew 0-0 with Southampton.
The Hammers goalkeeper was on top form, making a number of important saves,
but the visitors failed to find the net for the third consecutive match.
They have scored two goals in four games this season, although they are
without the injured Andy Carroll while Croatia international Mladen Petric
is not yet match fit.
On whether he was worried about their lack of cutting edge, Jaaskelainen
told Sky Sports 1: "A little bit but we are creating chances, we just have
to start putting them away." He added: "The clean sheet gives me most
satisfaction. We worked hard...and we had a couple of chances to get a
goal."

Midfielder Mark Noble paid tribute to his team-mate, saying: "He was
brilliant, when you clean sheets it's a massive help. We are not scoring
goals but we are keeping clean sheets. "I thought it (the result) was quite
fair. We're happy with the point. The lads dug in well." However, Noble
admitted he wanted all three points before the match, saying: "We came here
to win the game. We could have nicked it in the end and then everyone would
have said it was a smash and grab. "Southampton played well and Jussi made a
couple of good saves."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton 0-0 West Ham United: Jussi Jaaskelainen the hero as visitors dig
deep to frustrate Saints
15 Sep 2013 18:19
The Mirror

Jussi Jaaskelainen pulled off a string of fine saves as West Ham held
Southampton to a goalless draw in difficult conditions at St Mary's. In a
match devoid of many moments of class, the oldest man on the pitch proved
decisive as Saints were denied a first home win of the season. The
38-year-old was first called into action after 11 minutes, somehow keeping
out a Dani Osvaldo effort when it looked easier to score - the best chance
of a tepid first half in which Kevin Nolan had a goal ruled out for offside.
Lambert hit the post moments after play resumed. The England international,
making his 200th Southampton appearance, was then denied by Jaaskelainen as
Mauricio Pochettino's side pushed for the opener. The veteran Finn,
supported impressively by James Collins and Winston Reid, was also at his
best to stop Morgan Schneiderlin, who was lucky not to be booked in the
first half for a poor tackle on Mohamed Diame.

Referee Andre Marriner chose not to even award a free-kick for that
challenge and was in the spotlight again after adjudging a Joey O'Brien
lunge on Adam Lallana only worthy of a booking. Heading into the game, much
of the talk revolved around Ravel Morrison. The highly-rated but
unpredictable 20-year-old was handed his first Premier League start in place
of Stewart Downing, who has joined Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and George
McCartney in the treatment room.
Southampton brought in Nathaniel Clyne, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw, with
the latter almost caught out in the opening minutes. Diame impressively
controlled a crossfield ball and turned the teenage left-back, giving him
space to sting the palms of Artur Boruc. West Ham were quickest to settle in
miserable conditions on the south coast, with Boruc forced into action after
the wind sent a Matt Jarvis cross towards his goal.

Saints, though, should have taken the lead with their first chance of the
afternoon. After losing his man down the left, Rodriguez's cute cutback from
the byline found Osvaldo unmarked - but the Italian's goalbound strike was
impressively blocked by Jaaskelainen. It was a chance Southampton's record
signing was clearly frustrated not to have buried, with a chance at making
amends soon after denied by the quick thinking of Reid. The New Zealand
international's outstretched leg prevented him running free at goal, with
Jaaskelainen thwarting Lambert from the rebound. Diame saw an audacious
long-range drive whistle just over as West Ham pushed for an opener in the
rain, which they thought they managed just past the half-hour mark. Boruc
spread himself well to stop Jarvis when through one-on-one but captain Nolan
rifled home from outside the box - only for the offside flag to cut the
Hammers' celebrations short. Schneiderlin was fortunate not to receive a
yellow card for a poor challenge on the already booked Diame, with West Ham
furious as the midfielder left in pain on the floor without so much as a
free-kick.

Lambert nodded over and Morrison curled just wide from 25 yards, before
Marriner called time on a turgid first half. Victor Wanyama, particularly
poor in the first half, forced Jaaskelainen to tip over from distance
shortly after the restart, with a goal almost coming from the resulting
corner. Lallana swung the ball in and Lambert's powerful header rattled the
post, followed by hopeful calls for a handball against the impressive
Collins when Wanyama attempted to strike home the rebound. Saints had
seemingly given up on their attempts to threaten the Hammers with aerial
balls and reverted to playing on the deck, with Osvaldo slipping through
Lallana only for Jaaskelainen to thwart him.

Pochettino's side continued in the ascendancy and Schneiderlin saw a
threatening overhead kick was headed away by Reid after Osvaldo had seen a
shot blocked. Mark Noble and Wanyama were both booked for late challenges,
with Joey O'Brien soon joining them for a tackle on Lallana that saw tempers
fray and could have resulted in a red. The challenge came after Jaaskelainen
superbly turned a Schneiderlin volley around the post, with the veteran
goalkeeper then brilliantly clawing away a curling Lambert effort. Collins
lashed over as West Ham pushed a for a late winner and Saints saw appeals
for a handball against Nolan rejected, with Wanyama firing the final chance
wide.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rio hails ex-Manchester United wonderkid 'better than Pogba and Januzaj'
Here Is The City

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Ravel Morrison as the best youngster he has seen
during his time at Manchester United. As if the talent of Ravel Morrison was
ever in doubt, the teenager's potential has been highlighted by former
England captain Rio Ferdinand. Morrison was allowed to leave for West Ham 18
months ago, and on Sunday afternoon the Englishman finally made his first
Premier League start for the club. After 'finding himself' on loan at
Birmingham City last season, Morrison was West Ham's standout player in
pre-season, scoring several goals including a brace against Sporting Lisbon.
Morrison was a prodigal figure at Manchester United whose poor attitude saw
Sir Alex Ferguson give up on him despite his clear talent. Rio Ferdinand was
a player who attempted to get him to knuckle down and focus, without
success, but clearly keeps a keen on the development of the teenager he once
knew. Ahead of West Ham's 0-0 draw at Southampton, Ferdinand tweeted that he
was looking forward to catching Morrison in action, and received a barrage
of responses in return. Asked how good he was, the United defender said that
only Joe Cole and Michael Owen compared, neither of who he saw at Old
Trafford. Better than his teammate at the time, Paul Pogba and United's
flavour of the moment Adnan Januzaj? Yes, according to Rio, but of course,
Morrison's attitude has seen his development stall. Nonetheless it's
exciting for West Ham fans, for if he can get close to fulfilling that
potential - the Hammers may just have England's best young talent on their
hands, and this could well be the season he emphasises what United gave up
on.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce accuses referee Andre Marriner of missing red
card offence at Southampton
The Telegraph
Jeremy Wilson By Jeremy Wilson, St Mary's9:58PM BST 15 Sep 2013

Sam Allardyce angrily criticised referee Andre Marriner after West Ham
United's goalless draw with Southampton on Sunday, saying he could not
understand "for the life of me" how Morgan Schneiderlin was not sent off.
West ham manager Sam Allardyce accuses referee Andre Marriner of missing red
card offence at Southampton. The flashpoint occurred in the first half when
Schneiderlin challenged Mohamed Diamé with his studs showing on both feet.
Marriner ruled the challenge legal, prompting a furious touchline reaction
from Allardyce. "It is a two-footed challenge which we are told by everyone
in the referees' department – from Mike Riley [the head of referees] down —
is a straight red," Allardyce said. "It wasn't even a free-kick and I can't
for the life of me see how Andre, an experienced referee now, didn't see
that. "That was a disappointment and has kept them with 11 men on the field
when they should have 10 the way the law is portrayed. That would have given
us a better chance of winning. I have to point out that was a really poor
decision – that is my responsibility."

Allardyce was predictably less expansive about a tackle from behind by Joey
O'Brien on Adam Lallana that, on another day, could also have resulted in a
sending-off. West Ham have now not scored in the Premier League since the
opening day of the season, with James Collins missing a glorious late chance
on Sunday to snatch victory. "He thinks he is a centre-forward in training –
then he gets a chance in a big game and plants it over the bar," West Ham
midfielder Mark Noble said. Modibo Maiga started as the main central striker
for West Ham but Neil McDonald, the assistant manager, indicated that
Carlton Cole could soon rejoin the club. Cole was out of contract at the end
of last season but has been back training at West Ham. Allardyce is also
hoping that Mladen Petric can be part of the squad to play Everton on
Saturday following his arrival last week. West Ham are still waiting for a
definitive diagnosis and timescale on the foot injury to club record signing
Andy Carroll. "Carlton Cole is coming in to get fit — he has had a good
summer to a certain extent," McDonald said. The main positive for West Ham
was a third clean sheet in four Premier League matches, with goalkeeper
Jussi Jaaskelainen producing a man-of-the-match performance. Rickie Lambert
forced one acrobatic save, although Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino
highlighted the England striker's lack of club goals since the penalty
against West Brom a month ago. "It is not just about creating chances, you
need to be bold, we weren't able to do it and we are frustrated," Pochettino
said. "He [Lambert] has played the last two with national side, which must
be a huge boost for self-confidence, but strikers need to score goals, that
is their bread and butter, and he hasn't been able to do that. None of them
were able to do that." Asked if there was any concern that Lambert had not
scored, Pochettino said: "I am more worried about winning games. "Scoring
goals is sometimes a matter of luck, of being on a run of scoring goals, or
fitness, or how you wake up in the morning."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com